Author Topic: Help me choose a master's degree related to 3D  (Read 3814 times)

2018-02-13, 22:37:31

mase

  • Active Users
  • **
  • Posts: 111
    • View Profile
So I'm a working architect with a bachelor's degree from a rather small university in UK and have been dreaming for a couple of years now about continuing my studies and getting a master's degree in architecture. On the other hand, I really admire creating architectural images and thought maybe I should study something more towards 3d/visualization industry.

I'm not really sure what to look for since I in a way want to stay very close to architecture but also explore a bit more visual aspect of it rather than technical. Does anyone know any interesting degrees in a similar field?

2018-02-13, 23:04:13
Reply #1

Noah45

  • Active Users
  • **
  • Posts: 437
  • press *1
    • View Profile
Study Art! Then learn 3D, it propel you.
Retail Illustrator  (for ever' 80's )
3DMax 2020/Corona Version: 6DB

2018-02-14, 00:50:39
Reply #2

Eddoron

  • Active Users
  • **
  • Posts: 552
  • Achieved Pedestrian
    • View Profile
Study Art! Then learn 3D, it propel you.
+1

edit: Most of the 3D stuff, you can learn yourself but when you really want to advance(expert/master level) and specialize, then I'd recommend taking some courses.

When I started, I first wanted to go to a school specialized on that topic, but I didn't have the money and I was one year too old for the government paying the bill.

I was interested in that topic all my life and decided to just start by myself. bought two books, a learning license through a friend and played around.  Tried to recreate everything I saw in the media. It took about two or three years of that more or less unguided but fun approach until I was ready to create something that I wouldn't feel ashamed to show off. If you have a real passion and there's a problem, then it doesn't matter if it takes 14-16hours to solve it.

Later then I did a certificate program which wasn't really worth the money and a bit later some courses on Ryan Kingslien's site. They recently changed to Artist Awake. There I did "Character Design For Film And Games with Danny Williams". Youtube videos won't help you much and that $500 is much better spent on an industry veteran teaching and reviewing your work. You'll also learn tricks that many don't know and make your workflow much more efficient.
Nowadays, they have courses on pretty much every single subject related to 3D and some of them, especially introduction classes are for free.(Maya, Unreal, etc.)

Later then I focused more on art. Colors, light & shadow, composition, symmetry... many "tiny" things that seem negligible at first but have a huge impact on the final image.

But as mentioned: Art and if you have some spare time, download a free 3D app like Blender, watch an introduction to the GUI and play around while doing the other. Assuming you have the time. You have plenty of time to decide what field you want to go to(and there are many). After all, you'll need to learn the fundamentals first.

And don't forget Photoshop. It'll be the last 10% of your work and decide how good the final image will be.

« Last Edit: 2018-02-14, 04:43:03 by Eddoron »

2018-02-14, 10:26:01
Reply #3

maru

  • Corona Team
  • Active Users
  • ****
  • Posts: 13691
  • Marcin
    • View Profile
Not much to say here, but maybe interior design would be something that would connect the two worlds for OP? (architecture + visualization)
Another idea would be attending some kind of general "computer arts" degree, where they would teach about composition, fine arts, and also 2d/3d stuff.
Marcin Miodek | chaos-corona.com
3D Support Team Lead - Corona | contact us

2018-02-14, 10:42:02
Reply #4

mase

  • Active Users
  • **
  • Posts: 111
    • View Profile
Quote
But as mentioned: Art and if you have some spare time, download a free 3D app like Blender, watch an introduction to the GUI and play around while doing the other. Assuming you have the time. You have plenty of time to decide what field you want to go to(and there are many). After all, you'll need to learn the fundamentals first.

I've been practising modelling, rendering and post-production software for about 5-6 years now and I believe I have all the fundamentals already. I don't actually have plenty of time to decide what I want to study since at most universities you need to apply in this March/April for the next fall semester. But thanks for the input, I will think about it.

Quote
Not much to say here, but maybe interior design would be something that would connect the two worlds for OP? (architecture + visualization)
Another idea would be attending some kind of general "computer arts" degree, where they would teach about composition, fine arts, and also 2d/3d stuff.

I feel like master's in architecture would open up a lot more possibilities later on in the career than master's in interior design. It's like a less complicated course of architecture where you don't dive into too much research and problem solving and focus mainly on aesthetics and function. So it kind of leaves the only option of being an interior designer/visualizer with no other field to go.

On the other hand, computer arts is probably more what I'm looking for, as it should really cover all artistic things you mention as well as technical aspect of it. It seems that such skills could be applied in so many artistic fields besides architecture.

2018-03-01, 22:14:47
Reply #5

Juraj

  • Active Users
  • **
  • Posts: 4815
    • View Profile
    • studio website
If you've been dreaming about finishing your architectural studies, then why are you even looking at alternatives ? Finish your architectural degree :- )

It's prestigious traditional degree that's lot more respectable than the hastily put together random "degrees" from studying 3D Graphics, Archviz, Animation,etc.. all stuff that's much easier and lends itself more towards shorter courses and self-learning.
A month-long course at something like SOA in Venice will guarantee better return on investment than listening 2 years how some failed practicioner explains 3dsMax manual because that's what it is going to be for most part. Don't waste time on scams, no one in this industry who is successful had any sort of this pseudo-education at all.

Though, I would always suggest to focus strongly on what you would like to achieve success in. If that's architecture, put dreams of 3D aside. If it's 3D, even finishing your master might be pointless, although valuable in life for certain job and social (immigration visas, etc..) flexibility. The market prefers those great at one thing, not mediocre at two.
Please follow my new Instagram for latest projects, tips&tricks, short video tutorials and free models
Behance  Probably best updated portfolio of my work
lysfaere.com Please check the new stuff!

2018-03-15, 15:52:46
Reply #6

mase

  • Active Users
  • **
  • Posts: 111
    • View Profile
Thanks for a thorough answer Juraj. It's been on my mind for the past couple of months and it's really hard to make up my mind so hearing different opinions really helps to re-evaluate my priorities.

During my 4 years of working in architecture field I've realised that it's such a long and difficult process. Each project can take from a year to probably 10 years or more from start to finish. And it's really great once you finish it but only for so long. On the other hand, probably 2 of those years involved working a lot with 3D stuff which gives it a little bit more joy and creative time than sitting and detailing a window corner or looking for some building regulations.

I came to a some sort of conclusion that I'm really driven by the theory of architecture, it's conceptual and philosophical parts and that's what architecture studies are all about. They train your mind to think outside the box and broaden your views, so to speak. And I believe such skills would be helpful despite the field I end up working in. So for those reasons I applied to master's degree in architecture at several universities and hopefully I will get picked.

It's quite funny that this morning I was actually browsing SOA courses and thought exactly the thing you mentioned in your post. Having a dense but very clear and targeted masterclass will probably go much further than studying 3D art in general. So thanks again for confirming my inner thoughts :)